80/35 Locals - Grinning Match video

Grinning Match was an Iowa band that I wasn't familiar with before 80/35 announced their inclusion in the music festival. That's likely because they've never played a show in Des Moines. So when they open the festival on July 2, it will be a new experience for the band and potential fans in the audience.

So how did this Cedar Falls band end up on the bill? By winning a JEL battle of the bands earlier this year. In addition to the 80/35 slot, they also won $2,000 at Rieman Music in Urbandale. When they came to town last week to spend their winnings, I was there to chat with them and document the spending spree.